Charlie and Charm Read Free Page A

get it out of my head. We were learning about grooming, standing in the barn with our ponies, copying what Lydia was showing us on Shine. As we were doing circles with our rubber curry combs, she said something like, “A good partnership in the manège or onthe cross-country course starts right here, girls. Spending time with your pony, talking to him or her, grooming and caring, all lay the foundations for your partnership while riding.”

    Before she said that I’d thought I was just brushing a pony, but then suddenly it felt like I was being disloyal to Apple. Jemima was next to me and she was cooing all over Mischief, telling him how gorgeous he was while she gently wiped his eyes with the special blue sponges in his grooming kit. I tried to ignore it, but she kept going on and on and on.
    Then I started imagining Apple having her eyes wiped by Laura, her new owner, and I wondered if she’s completely forgotten about me already. That made me feel really upset and that’s when Jemima said, “Charlie, can I borrow your curry comb when you’ve finished? Mischief’s seems to be missing from his kit.”
    Before I could stop myself, I snapped, “No, you can’t!”

    Jemima just blinked at me in shock, her usual cheeky grin gone. I could feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment. I still can’t believe I said that!
    I didn’t know what to do then, so I went round the other side of Charm where Jemima couldn’t see me. After the lecture, I wanted to say sorry to her, but she walked off really fast, arm in arm with Skye, and now she won’t catch my eye.
    Oh dear! Things just don’t seem to be going very well for me at all.
    At least I’ve got the cross country to look forward to. We’re walking the course tomorrow, and then going out on our ponies for a practice. I’m really keen to see what jumps we’ll be doing and how high they are.
    Gotta go – Jody’s calling that lunch is ready.

I can’t believe what’s just happened!
    My hand’s shaking so much I can hardly write. Sally hasn’t chosen me to do the cross country!
    And worse still, everyone else in our group is doing it!

    I feel so silly. I just assumed I’d be taking part, and instead I’ll have to go in with the beginners tomorrow. I don’t understand. I’m about the most experienced rider here, with Millie and Jemima, anyway. I can easily manage a few cross-country fences!
    Sally came in just when we were finishing lunch and made the announcement. I was sure there’d been a mistake, so I hurried out after her. “Did you just say I’m not doing the cross country?” I asked.
    â€œYes,” she said, and carried on walking.
    â€œBut why?” I gasped.
    â€œBecause I’m the instructor, and I don’t think you’re ready,” she told me, still walking.
    But I wouldn’t give up. “Skye’s allowed, and she’s not that experienced, or confident!”
    Sally sighed and said, “You haven’t been putting the effort in, Charlie. You’re not focused enough.”
    â€œBut I’m one of the best riders here,” I argued.

    â€œIt’s not just about technical ability,” she said. “Riding’s about being a team with your pony. Cross country can be dangerous, and you need to have a good partnership.”
    Huh! How unfair is that?!
    â€œBut that’s Charm’s fault,” I insisted. “He doesn’t listen to me. He’d be better in a flash or drop noseband and a stronger bit…”
    Sally stopped in her tracks and looked me straight in the eye. I suddenly realized I wastalking back to an instructor and I felt a bit scared. “Charlie, the problem is not your pony,” she said sharply. “I know Charm. He’s got a lovely nature and he’s very well mannered.”
    â€œBut…” I began.

    â€œCharlie,” she said again, cutting